In the first game of the new season, returned star coach Amir Ghalenoei saw a second half winner from fellow returnee Fabio Januario.
The Brazilian midfielder had come on in second half and scored against the newly promoted visitors with a beautiful shot from outside the area after 56 minutes.
In Esfahan, title holders Sepahan also started with a 1-0 victory.
Center-backHadi Tamini's goal early in second half was enough for Zlatko Krancjar's men to collect the three points.
Elsewhere, Damash Gilan and Foolad Khuzestan tied 1-1 whereas the match between Tractor Sazi Tabriz and Saipa Karaj ended goalless.